Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has revealed how he persuaded Lionel Messi to return to the national team for a farewell appearance after the forward retired from international football.
Scaloni said Messi deserved the opportunity to receive a proper tribute from Argentina supporters because of his status and contribution to the national team.
The manager said he personally spoke with Messi and urged him to take part, while the Argentina Football Association (AFA) and its president also supported efforts to bring him back.
“I think a player like him deserves this. Personally, I did my part. We pushed for him to be able to play in this match,” Scaloni told journalists.
Scaloni said the team was aware of what Messi had been going through but that the forward still wanted the opportunity to return and say goodbye to his supporters.
“We knew everything he was going through, but even so, he wanted to come and say goodbye to his people. I think if we’re going to pay tribute to him, it has to be now,” he said.
The Argentina manager said he tried to convince Messi that the timing was right because circumstances could change in the future.
“I engaged with him and endeavoured to persuade him that the present moment is optimal, as one cannot predict future developments,” Scaloni said.
He also credited the AFA president for helping make the farewell possible, describing the occasion as meaningful and one Messi deserved.
“This represents something truly meaningful, and he is deserving of it,” he added.
Messi had announced his withdrawal from international football after Argentina lost the FIFA World Cup final to Spain.
The defeat reportedly affected him deeply, while he was also mourning the death of his father when he made the decision public.
Scaloni Reveals How He Persuaded Messi to Return for Argentina Farewell
